"It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to no one."
My most fave part in V for Vendetta is the Valerie moment. The film deals with struggle for freedom in a totalitarian system, a government that objects "the different and the subversive."
Imprisoned, Evey (Natalie Portman) finds refuge in a series of letters "given" to her by "next-cell neighbor" Valerie (Natasha Wightman), an actress who was incarcerated for being homosexual.
In the letter, Valerie narrates her life — which includes her coming out to her parents (who later disown her), her past relationships, her moments with Ruth (Mary Stockley) a.k.a. the love of her life a.k.a. her three years of roses, and her despair over Ruth's imprisonment and suicide. The letter ends with Valerie's imprisonment and eventual death.
In the letter, Valerie narrates her life — which includes her coming out to her parents (who later disown her), her past relationships, her moments with Ruth (Mary Stockley) a.k.a. the love of her life a.k.a. her three years of roses, and her despair over Ruth's imprisonment and suicide. The letter ends with Valerie's imprisonment and eventual death.
This is the scene that made me cry... a lot. A very political film, V for Vendetta has a lot of tense moments in it. That's why this Valerie moment stands out. The scene is generally heartbreaking, yet beneath the heartbreak is a very powerful message — as powerful as V's speech.
Although this world is gradually waking up from an ignorant and homophobic slumber, this Valerie scene is still very relevant. It aims to reject hate, and say "Bigotry sucks. Love is love."
Valerie's letter:
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